Behavioral Crisis Response

Version 2, transcribed verbatim from the source document. Hover a paragraph for a permanent link to it.

I. Functions of the Unit

A. The Behavioral Crisis Response Unit (BCRU) is a component of the Patrol Division. The BCRU operates within a co-responder model which pairs specially trained police officers with behavioral health professionals (mental health clinicians) to respond to incidents involving individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis (i.e., mental illness). B. The primary function of the BCRU is to improve the outcomes of the encounters between police and individuals experiencing an acute behavioral health crisis. These behavioral health crises may include, but are not limited to: 1. Suicidal/homicidal ideations; 2. Delusions; 3. Hallucinations; 4. Paranoia; 5. Making statements to self-harm and/or harm others; or 6. Behaviors which may appear erratic or out of character. C. BCRU officers may serve as a primary or secondary response (or combination of both) to a behavioral health crisis. BCRU officers may act as the first response to non-violent incidents involving individuals in crisis via self-dispatch or can be requested to the scene after the fact to assist first responding officers after they have determined a need for a BCRU officer. #

II. Hours of Operation and Callout / Notification Criteria

A. BCRU squads work Monday-Friday from 0700-1500 hours. B. BCRU officers utilize 2700 series radio call signs and log into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system under "PCW" patrol city wide. C. If a BCRU officer has a civilian co-responder mental health clinician riding with him in the patrol vehicle, the BCRU officer will use a "C" as a suffix (e.g., 2705C as a call sign). D. BCRU officers monitor specific district radio frequencies, but they are available to respond city-wide at any time during their shift. E. Criteria for calls that are appropriate to request assistance from the BCRU: 1. When a Patrol officer receives a call for service or encounters a subject who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis and believes that person may utilize behavioral health counseling or non-police related behavioral health services. 2. When a subject has threatened suicide and has not harmed themselves to the point that the injury requires immediate medical attention and/or has not committed a felony crime. 3. When patrol is called to a school to place a juvenile under the provisions of the Baker Act. 4. When a BCRU officer may be of assistance with communicating with a barricaded subject, prior to disengagement (refer to Order 216 [Barricade Disengagement]). 5. When there is planned reengagement of a barricaded subject who appears to be experiencing a behavioral health crisis (refer to Order 216 [Barricade Disengagement]). #

Ill. Policies & Procedure

A. Definitions 1. BCRU Officer - Officers assigned to the unit who have received specialized training in how to implement strategies to respond compassionately, effectively, and in the least intrusive manner to an individual in crisis or displaying a behavioral health emergency. 2. Behavioral Health Professionals - Civilian co-responder mental health clinicians who are embedded in the field and work jointly with a BCRU officer. Behavioral Health Professionals utilize various in-person counseling techniques which assist with de-escalating a person in crisis and offer referrals to case management and other community-based resources. 3. Behavioral Health Crisis - Behavioral health crises may include, but are not limited to, suicidal/homicidal ideations, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, making statements to self-harm or harm others, or other behaviors which may appear generally erratic or out of character. B. Involuntary Examination (Baker Act) 1. Officers who encounter a person who may be experiencing a behavioral health crisis are reminded to review and utilize the criteria as established in Florida State Statute (F.S.S.) 394 (Involuntary Examination [Baker Act]). 2. An involuntary examination (Baker Act) may not be appropriate when a subject is only suffering from one of the following medical diagnoses: a. Intellectual disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, speaking impairments, etc.); b. Neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's, dementia, etc.); or c. Developmental disorders (e.g., Autism, mental/physical limitations, etc.). 3. If a subject has one or more of the diagnoses listed in this directive, the responding officers shall consider whether the subject is displaying behaviors that would place themselves or others in immediate danger which may require an involuntary examination (Baker Act). 4. If an involuntary examination (Baker Act) is determined to be appropriate for a subject who is suffering from one or more of the medical diagnoses listed in this directive, then the subject shall be transported to a hospital to receive the appropriate medical care. #